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Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 345 Google reviews · Running trail in Clifton, Virginia · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Hemlock Overlook Regional Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park with hiking & equestrian trails, plus an outdoor education & adventure center.
What runners say about Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
“Beautiful paths Weekdays are the best right now, please treat this place with care, I want it to stay just the way it is for as long as possible.”
“We enjoyed a slightly muddy walk along the creek trail enjoying the quiet, some nice rock formations and the sounds of the water.”
“Perfect if you want a nice easy trail away from the crowds.”
⚠️ The first mile or so (maybe less) of the hike was not very impressive - open field with power lines. BUT it gets better! This was a nice easy hike. We started out on the Hemlock Overlook Trail at the "Hemlock Overlook Regional Park" sign located by the power lines and somehow connected to the Bull Run Occoquan…
Wonderful Spring hike through a forest and along the river. Relaxing hike, with some decent inclines here and there but not too rigorous. Perfect if you want a nice easy trail away from the crowds. Convenient location if you like wine, as there is a winery across the street from the trailhead.
Not a hyperbole. This is the best hike i’ve ever had among non-mountain hikes. I love how there is a trail along the river (blue) and a trail on higher elevation (red). The trail is so natural and you are totally out in nature.
What a beautiful treat! This readily accessible park has a network of fairly well maintained hiking trails to enjoy. Ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate, they allow users to spend just 15 minutes in nature or several hours, depending on what combination of trail legs you take.
Trail conditions & character
“We started out on the Hemlock Overlook Trail at the "Hemlock Overlook Regional Park" sign located by the power lines and somehow connected to the Bull Run Occoquan Trail.”
“There is not a ton of parking and the winery has tons of signs that they tow cars parked in their lots who aren’t at the winery so keep that in mind.”
“We enjoyed a slightly muddy walk along the creek trail enjoying the quiet, some nice rock formations and the sounds of the water.”
“The trail has a combination of flat areas as well as some slightly steep parts where you can step up on your cardio.”
“We enjoyed a slightly muddy walk along the creek trail enjoying the quiet, some nice rock formations and the sounds of the water.”
“There aren’t any bathroom facilities however there’s a winery at the beginning of the trail should you need refreshments/relief.”
Plan your run at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitenovaparks.com
- Phone+1 800-877-0954
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Clifton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bull Run-Occoquan Trail Yates Ford Road Trailhead
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Blooms Park
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Signal Hill Park
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Bull Run Occoquan Trail
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Lengthy, riverside forest trail for hiking & horse riding, with remains of Civil War earth forts.
Joseph D. Reading Park
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Stonewall Park
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